Russell adds Sandown, GC 600 to LDM program

The Newcastle driver had inked a three event deal to pilot the team’s #3 Commodore at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (October 5-8) and the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 (November 24-26) season finale, in addition to an outing at July’s Watpac Townsville 400.

However, Russell has now been able to extend that primary driver arrangement to include all three enduros, beginning with the Wilson Security Sandown 500 (September 15-17) followed by the Vodafone Gold Coast 600 (October 20-22).

The 26-year-old will pilot a Plus Fitness liveried Commodore during the events.

Russell last drove the car at Townsville when he stood in for Cameron McConville.

He will join the team alongside regular Alex Rullo in the #62 Commodore.

The identity of Russell’s co-driver for the enduros is yet to be confirmed although the team has recently secured the services of Alex Davison as one of its pilots for the Pirtek Enduro Cup.

Russell hopes the opportunity will boost his bid to secure a full-time Supercars drive in the future.

Speedcafe.com understands the #3 seat is currently vacant for the ITM Auckland 400 (November 3-5) prior to the Newcastle finale.

“To be honest it is kind of a big weight off my shoulders,” Russell told Speedcafe.com.

“There has been a lot of pressure about who will be driving the car for the rest of the rounds.

“It is just nice to lock it all in and get it out there and move on and get on with the racing.

“All things going on trying to find a full-time drive for next year, to say you have done two Pirtek Enduro Cups is a much better luck.

“I really enjoy Sandown as a track and we were going really well there and that was the same at the Gold Coast last year.

“I’m really happy to be able to do them again and to be able to string some races together and get some consistency.

“I don’t know at this stage who my co-driver will be but whoever I have will meet the Superlicence requirements, and they will be a good candidate.”

Russell is expected to conduct a test day with the squad prior to the Wilson Security Sandown 500 Pirtek Enduro Cup opener from September 15-17.